(NAPS)-A strong math and science education is critical for K-12 students if they are to one day qualify for a job in one of the rapidly growing STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
That's the word from a woman who has had success as both an Emmy-nominated actress and as a scientist. She has now taken it as her personal mission to inspire students to take an interest in math and science.
Mayim Bialik not only plays a neurobiologist on TV's No. 1 comedy, "The Big Bang Theory," she is also a neuroscientist and part-time teacher.
Bialik, who earned a Ph.D in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), credits a tutor with helping her discover her passion for science. A mother of two, she now wants to inspire kids at a young age to find their own path in math and science.
"As a child, I didn't think about a future career in science until my tutor opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I want my own kids-and all students-to know early on that with a strong math and science education, they can literally change the world," said Bialik.
In addition to encouraging students to explore science and math, Bialik believes that integrating technology in a way that is fun and interactive can help parents and teachers capture the attention of today's tech-savvy students. In her role as spokeswoman for the TI-Nspire CX math and science learning technology, she has interacted with math and science teachers across the nation who have seen their students become more engaged and improve achievement by using technology in and out of the classroom.
"Technology makes learning more exciting, and it helps students visualize concepts and make deeper connections between math and science," said Bialik.
In what can be described as a move with a lot of "class," Bialik is teaming up with TI for a back-to-school contest. Students, parents and teachers around the nation can enter to win the chance to have Bialik as a guest teacher for a math and science class-and TI-Nspire technology for the entire school.
To enter, go to www.facebook.com/TICalculators.